Small vehicle enclosures and methods for operating the same

ABSTRACT

Small vehicle enclosures and methods for operating the same are disclosed. An example enclosure includes a base portion configured to receive a vehicle and includes at least one channel or groove configured to guide vehicle. The example enclosure further includes a cover portion configured to cover the vehicle when the vehicle is disposed on the base portion and sealingly engage the base when the cover is in a closed position.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure relates generally to vehicle enclosures and, more particularly, to small vehicle enclosures and methods of operating the same.

BACKGROUND

It is often desirable to store a small vehicle such as a motorcycle, snow mobile, (all terrain vehicle) ATV, jet ski, and other such valuable vehicles in a protective enclosure. Storing a vehicle in an enclosure may serve to protect the vehicle from theft, vandalism and/or environmental hazards. A storage enclosure for a vehicle is particularly useful for a residence (e.g., a single family home, a condominium, an apartment) having no garage, a car port, a one-car garage, or a garage that otherwise lacks sufficient space for all of the vehicles, tools, and/or other items that are to be stored by the occupants of the residence. A vehicle enclosure is also useful for storing vehicles that are used infrequently or seasonally such as, for example, a snowmobile or jet ski.

Portable vehicle storage structures or enclosures have also been used for the transportation of small vehicles. In addition to protecting small vehicles from theft, vandalism, and environmental dangers, such portable vehicle enclosures may also shelter a vehicle from damage that can occur during the transportation of the vehicle.

Known small vehicle enclosures can typically be used to protect any vehicle contained therein from the above-mentioned hazards. However, not all environmental factors have been addressed with these structures. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,533,616 to Crowfoot attempted to solve some of the foregoing problems. Crowfoot describes a motorcycle enclosure having a seal extending along the middle seam of a cover to create a watertight seal between two halves of the cover.

However, the vehicle enclosure Crowfoot describes contains no structure at the base of the enclosure to provide the same environmentally protective features as the seal on the cover. As a result, environmental hazards near the base such as, for example, contaminated parking-lot run-off water, may seep into the vehicle enclosure at the base and reach a vehicle stored therein. Further, the enclosure disclosed by Crowfoot would also fail to prevent insects, vermin, etc. from entering the vehicle enclosure via the base.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example vehicle enclosure shown in an open condition.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the example vehicle enclosure of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the example vehicle enclosure of FIG. 1 shown in a closed position.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the cover of the example vehicle enclosure of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the cover of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the base of the example vehicle enclosure of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is cross-sectional view of the base of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the base of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of the portion of the base designated by the arrow labeled “B” in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the example vehicle enclosure taken along the 10-10 line of FIG. 3.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of the encircled portion of FIG. 10 showing the junction of the cover and the base of the vehicle enclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example vehicle enclosure 100 constructed in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure. The example enclosure 100 includes a cover 102 and a base 104. As described in greater detail below, the cover 102 is rotatably or pivotally coupled (e.g., via a hinge assembly) to one end of the base 104.

The cover 102 may be disposed in an open position, i.e., the position shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In the open position, the cover 102 is disposed at an angle relative to the base 104 such that one end of the cover 102 is spaced from a corresponding end of the base 104, while the other ends of the cover 102 and the base 104 are rotatably or pivotally coupled or connected using, for example, a hinge structure. In the open position, a person can access the interior of the enclosure 100 to place a small vehicle (e.g., a motorcycle, a snowmobile, an ATV, a jet ski, etc.) inside the enclosure 100 for storage or to remove a small vehicle from the enclosure for use. In a closed position (e.g., the position shown in FIG. 3), the cover 102 fits over and sealingly engages (e.g., overlaps) the base 104 to form a seal between the cover 102 and the base 104.

The cover 102 and the base 104 may be made of a durable plastic, such as, for example, TPO, or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. Of course, other materials, or any combination thereof, suitable for use in an outdoor environment could be used instead. Preferably, but not necessarily, the cover 102 and the base 104 are also configured (e.g., are made of materials) that enable the surfaces thereof (e.g., the exterior surfaces) to be painted and polished.

In general, the cover 102 forms a shell having an opening 106 of sufficient size to encompass or cover a small vehicle. In use, a vehicle rests on the base 104 in the opening 106 between side walls 108, a front wall 110 and a back wall 112. The cover 102 includes a top portion 114, which, in the example cover 102, is rounded and slightly peaked. The cover 102 may be formed as one integral piece, or as two or more pieces that are sealingly coupled. The example cover 102 has a generally hemispherical shape. In the illustrated example, the cover 102 has a decreasing angular profile such that the wall 112 forms an angle relative to the plane of the opening 106 (which is generally horizontal when the enclosure 100 is in use) that is greater than the angle formed by the top portion 114 relative to the plane of the opening 106. Additionally, the angle the top portion 114 makes with the plane of the opening 106 decreases along the length of the top portion 114 toward the wall 110.

Thus, the example cover 102 has a profile that becomes more acute with respect to the plane of the opening 106 as the cover 102 progresses from its connection (e.g., via a hinge structure) to the base 104 toward the wall 110. Although the example cover 102 is depicted as having a decreasing angular profile, different shapes for the cover 102 may be used for different types of small vehicles. For example, to minimize the amount of space occupied by the enclosure 100 and to decrease the material cost of the enclosure 100, a smaller, differently shaped cover 102 may be used for a smaller vehicle, such as, for example a jet ski, than would be used for a larger vehicle, such as, for example, a motorcycle. In some examples, to minimize the overall size of the enclosure 100, the profile of the cover 102 may be configured to roughly or closely conform to the profile of the vehicle that is stored in the enclosure 100.

The shape of the cover 102 makes the enclosure 100 more aerodynamic, which may be important if the enclosure 100 were transported in an open-top vehicle such as, for example, on the bed of a trailer. The shape of the cover 102 is also stackable with respect to other covers, which decreases the amount of space and costs necessary for shipping multiple covers.

The bottom of the cover 102 includes a flared peripheral portion 116. The flared peripheral portion 116 extends substantially around the perimeter of the bottom of the cover 102. The flared peripheral portion 116 may be an angled portion of plastic that is integrally formed with the cover 102. The flared peripheral portion 116 may alternatively be implemented as a component that is fastened to the cover 102 via any known or desired mechanical or chemical fastening technique. Alternatively, the flared peripheral portion 116 could instead be implemented as a groove or ridge in the cover 102. The flared portion 116 is configured to channel water (e.g., rain) and to prevent water from entering the interior of the enclosure 100. The flared portion 116 is also configured to protect the interior of the enclosure 100 from insects, vermin, etc.

The interior portion of the cover 102 may include a sealing component 117 (see FIG. 11) near the bottom of the walls 108, 110 and 112 or interior to the flared portion 116 that forms a gasket with the base 104 when the cover 102 is in the closed position. The sealing component may be made of foam, rubber or any other resiliently deformable material.

The bottom of the wall 112 includes an extension, tab, or hinge portion or structure 118. As discussed in greater detail below, the cover 102 is connected to the base 104 via the hinge structure 118.

The base 104 is illustrated in FIGS. 6-9. The base 104 includes a floor 120, two side walls 122, and a rear wall 124, at which the cover 102 is connected to the base 104. This connection is discussed in more detail below. The base 104 also includes a ramp 126 opposite the rear wall 124. The ramp 126 is double-sided (e.g., includes an incline portion and a decline portion) and assists in securing the contents of the enclosure 100, for example, by preventing a wheeled vehicle from rolling off the base 104 when the cover 102 is in the open position. The profile of the ramp 126 may be rounded, peaked, trapezoidal or any other shape that would assist in securing the contents of the enclosure 100. The ramp 126 may be integrally formed with the base 104. Alternatively, the ramp 126 may be implemented as a separate component that is fixed to the base 104. Furthermore, the ramp and/or the base may be reinforced.

The base 104 also includes a guide channel 128. The illustrated base 104 is suitable for use with a motorcycle and, thus, includes only one guide channel 128. However, different bases 104 configured for use with different vehicles may have, for example, two guide channels 128 in the case that the base 104 is configured for use with a different vehicle such as, for example, an ATV or a snowmobile.

The base may also include a chock or stop 130 that is located at the rear wall 124 at the end of the guide channel 128. The stop 130 indicates to the user that the vehicle is completely within the enclosure and helps to protect the rear of the base 104 and cover 102 from damage if, for example, a vehicle is driven too far into the enclosure. The stop 130 may also be integrally formed with the base 104. Additionally, there may be a plurality of stops 130. Furthermore, the example stop 130 is an open, curved rod structure, but the stop 130 may be configured as any shape that will prevent the vehicle from being placed too far into the enclosure.

The example base 104 also includes platforms 132, which can be used to support tie-down structures (not shown) on the floor 120. The platforms 132 have a recessed area 133. The tie-down structures are made of metal such as, for example, a metal plate that sits on the platform 132. The interior of the metal plate may be opened to expose the recessed area 133. A metal loop, D-rings or other structure may be coupled to the metal plate and positioned to sit in the recessed area 133 when not in use. Bolts, screws or any other mechanical or chemical fastener may be used to fasten the tie-down structures to the floor platform 132. Rope or other straps (not shown) may be threaded and knotted to the tie-down structures at one end and connected to a small vehicle at the other end to secure the vehicle within the enclosure 100. The tie-down structures may also be any structure that can be used to secure the vehicle in the enclosure 100 such as, for example, a durable plastic.

The base 104 also includes wheels 138. The wheels 138 are disposed in wheel wells 140 that are located at the front of the base 104 adjacent to the tie-down structures 132. When it is desirable to move the enclosure 100, the user may lift the end of the base 104 that has the ramp 126 to shift the weight of the enclosure to the wheels 138 and then roll the enclosure 100 to another location. Although the illustrated example includes two wheels 138, additional wheels may be located along the rear end of the base 104.

The floor 120 of the base 104 may also have holes (not shown) through which mechanical fasteners (not shown) may be threaded to anchor the enclosure 100 to a surface such as, for example, a concrete slab, the ground, or the bed of another vehicle such as, for example, a pick-up truck or trailer. In the illustrated example, there may be any number of such holes, for example, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, etc. Additionally, the holes may be located toward the rear of the base 104, toward the front, or anywhere along the perimeter or surface area of the floor 120.

The top outer portion of the side walls 122 and rear wall 124 may include a sealing component (not shown) that complements the piece coupled to the cover 102 to complete the seal when the cover 102 is in the closed position.

Returning to FIGS. 1-3, which illustrate the cover 102 coupled to the base 104. In this example, the cover 102 is coupled to the base 104 at the rear. The hinge structure 118 of the cover 102 interlocks with the rear wall 124 of the base 104. In the illustrated example, the hinge structure is formed as an extension or tab having an aperture 133, which aligns with an aperture 134 on the base. A pin, screw, rivet or other mechanical fastener is passed through the apertures 133, 134 to form a hinge structure and pivotally couple the cover 102 to the base 104. The fastener may be a metal, hard rubber or the like. Further, the cover 102 and base 104 may be coupled through other types of hinges such as, for example, a living hinge where the cover 102 and base 104 are integrally formed.

The illustrated example also includes struts 136 that further support the cover 102 on the base 104. In the illustrated example, the struts 136 are gas springs. The use of gas springs 136 assists the user in opening and closing the cover 102 because the user will not have to bear all the weight of the cover 102. The gas springs 136 are connected to both the cover 102 and the base 104 via mechanical fasteners (not shown) that are threaded through holes (not shown) in the cover 102 and base 104. The gas springs 136 may also be connected via any other known fastener. Further, the illustrated example includes two gas springs, but any number of springs may be used.

The base 104 may also have a gutter (not shown) that is located along the top edge of the side walls 122 and rear wall 124. The gutter works in cooperation with the flared portion 116 of the cover 102 to protect the interior of the enclosure 100 from water, vermin or other environmental hazards. The gutter may be sloped inward at an angle such as, for example, twenty degrees.

FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate the seam between the cover 102 and the base 104. The flared portion 116 is at the bottom of the side wall 108 of the cover 102, as described above. The flared portion 116 overhangs the top of the side wall 122 of the base 104. In the case where the example enclosure 100 includes sealing gasket components 117, these components are disposed between the top of the side wall 122 of the base 104 and the flared portion 116.

The enclosure 100 may also include or be configured to include various accessories. For example, the enclosure 100 may have a lock 113 (FIG. 1) that can be used to secure the contents of the enclosure 100 when the cover 102 is closed. The example lock 113 is a T-lock, but the lock 113 can be any type locking mechanism. Alternatively or additionally, an alarm (not shown) may be connected to the enclosure 100, where the user would have to deactivate the alarm before opening the cover 102. Further, in interior of the cover 102 may be equipped with studs, hooks, hangers, etc. (not shown) from which a helmet or other accessories or equipment may be hung. Still further the enclosure 100 may include a vent structure 111 (FIG. 1). The vent structure 111 may be implemented by forming a plurality of louvers, slits, or other suitable openings in the cover 102 to permit ambient air to enter the enclosure 100, while prevent the ingress of moisture, vermin, etc. Additionally, the vent 111 may be configured to facilitate the escape and dissipation of chemical vapors (e.g., gasoline fumes) from the interior of the enclosure 100. Allowing chemical vapors such as gasoline fumes and the like to easily escape from the interior of the enclosure 100 prevents the buildup of dangerous (e.g., toxic, explosive, etc.) levels of gasses. The vent 111 may be integrally formed in the cover 102, or the vent 111 may be a separate structure that is screwed, bolted, welded or otherwise mechanically or chemically fastened to the cover 102.

Although certain example methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture have been described herein, the scope of coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture fairly falling within the scope of the appended claims either literally or under the doctrine of equivalents. 

1. An enclosure for a vehicle comprising: a base portion configured to receive the vehicle and including at least one channel or groove configured to guide vehicle; and a cover portion configured to cover the vehicle when the vehicle is disposed on the base portion and sealingly engage the base when the cover is in a closed position.
 2. An enclosure as defined in claim 1, further comprising a hinge structure that rotatably couples the cover portion to the base portion.
 3. An enclosure as defined in claim 2, wherein the hinge structure is made of a plastic material.
 4. An enclosure as defined in claim 2, wherein at least a portion of the hinge structure is integral with the cover portion.
 5. An enclosure as defined in claim 1 further comprising at least one gas spring coupled between the base portion and the cover portion.
 6. An enclosure as defined in claim 5, wherein the at least one gas spring is gas powered.
 7. An enclosure as defined in claim 1, further comprising a ramp located at one end of the base portion.
 8. An enclosure as defined in claim 7, wherein the ramp portion and the base portion are integrally formed.
 9. An enclosure as defined in claim 7, wherein the ramp portion and base portion are reinforced.
 10. An enclosure as defined in claim 7, wherein the ramp portion is double-sided.
 11. An enclosure as defined in claim 1, wherein the base portion is sized to fit on a carrying surface of another vehicle or trailer.
 12. An enclosure as defined in claim 11, wherein the second vehicle is a pick-up truck.
 13. An enclosure as defined in claim 1, wherein the base portion includes at least one opening through which the base portion can be anchored to a surface.
 14. An enclosure as defined in claim 1, wherein the base portion further includes at least one structure for securing vehicle to the base portion.
 15. An enclosure as defined in claim 1, wherein the base portion further includes at least one stop.
 16. An enclosure as defined in claim 1, wherein the vehicle is a motorcycle, a snowmobile, or an all terrain vehicle.
 17. An enclosure for a vehicle comprising: a base having a ramp located at an end of the base, wherein the ramp is configured to prevent the vehicle when disposed on the base from rolling or sliding off the base; and a cover configured to engage the base to substantially prevent the ingress of water into the enclosure.
 18. An enclosure as defined in claim 17, wherein the ramp and the base are integrally formed.
 19. An enclosure as defined in claim 17, wherein the cover includes a peripheral portion configured to overhang at least a portion of the base to sealingly engage the base.
 20. An enclosure as defined in claim 17, further comprising a seal configured to enable the cover to sealingly engage the base.
 21. The enclosure as defined in claim 17 further comprising a hinge struture coupling the cover to the base.
 22. An enclosure as defined in claim 17, wherein the base further comprises at least one channel or groove for guiding the vehicle.
 23. An enclosure as defined in claim 17 wherein the base is sized to fit on a bed of a second vehicle.
 24. An enclosure as defined in claim 23, wherein the second vehicle is a pick-up truck.
 25. An enclosure as defined in claim 17, wherein the base includes at least one opening through which the base can be anchored to a surface. 